Sorry for the cliff hanger, here's the next chapter.

Thanks for all your reviews :D it makes me really really happy like usual XD

Anyway, check out my new Fairy Tail fanfic : "Hollow" if you're interested :)

Let's proceed then~

"Star dust?" I eyed Mom curiously as she was braiding my hair. It was those old days when we would came out to the garden almost every night. We would sit under the velvet dark sky which was spread with dots of twinkling stars, feeling the night breeze whispered through our ears and grass touching our bare feet.

"Yes dear, humans are made of star dust," she smiled gently at me. Her long blond hair was not tied into a bun like she always does; instead she let it flop on her back. I love it when she let her hair down; she looked more carefree with that look.

I stared at her in amazement then gazed to the night sky, "We came from the stars? That's so awesome, Mom!" I whispered, almost to myself.

She smiled and nodded then continued, "But some people have more star dust than the others," she stopped mid sentence and tied a red ribbon on my braids. I turned around to face her amused eyes. I hate it when Mom beats around the bush. She really likes to see my confused face, knowing me as the most curious girl she'd ever met.

She laughed a little. Her giggles jingled gently like the bells, always making me relaxed.

"Well, those people have the talent to manipulate certain elements through time and space, even dimension. Here, we call them mages."

"Maneepu..late?" I crooked my brows. What does that mean?

She chuckled, "That means to control, Lucy."

"Wow," I managed to say.

"But only some mages are able to make direct contact to the star dust," she said again, "They're quite rare actually. Star magic. Astrum."

Astrum?

"Luce!"

Mom?

I opened my eyes. Three figures were leaning to me. Had this happened before? Deja vu. I felt something cold and strong gripping my shoulders but not too tightly. I sat up from whatever I was leaning to but regretted it as exhaustion quickly rushed to me, making me feel very weak. I fell back towards the 'cushion' and closed my eyes back, my breath uneven.

"Lucy! Are you okay?" I cracked my eyes open to see a relieved Erza and Natsu. Happy rushed to hug me in tears. This time, real tears.

"Happy? What happened?" I put my hands on the blue cat's head and patted him, trying to calm him down.

"You passed out a little bit ago," I felt vibration from my back as the voice spoke. Gray? I glanced through my shoulder and noticed that Gray's arms were my 'pillows'. His face was anxious but relieved at the same time. He stared at me intensely, making me nervous. Suddenly I felt a cold hand caressing through my cheek, wiping something wet off my face. I flinched a little at the touch. It's cold yet so warm.

"You cried," he muttered.

I touched my cheek. Tears? Why am I crying?

"Gray's a pervert," Happy suddenly snickered.

Upon hearing the blue cat's statement we jerked away from our awkward position. Gray's cheeks were crimson red and mine wasn't any better.

"S-sorry," Gray finally said after regaining his composure.

"I-it's okay," I smiled nervously.

Erza smirked at us and I swear I saw a glint of amusement in her eyes. What was she thinking? She was going to say something but was interrupted by the arrival of Ayla.

"Thank God you're awake!" she beamed, "Here, drink some of this," she handed a porcelain cup. It was warm and the aroma was relaxing. I took a bit of sip and felt my jumbled mind starting to calm down. The sweetness and warmth of the drink flowed through my dried throat. Instantly, I felt better.

"Feeling better?" she asked and I nodded, then sipped the drink more. After the last sip, I spoke again, "So I passed out?" Ayla has once again excused herself to clean up the cup and to welcome her new guests.

This time, Erza nodded, "You did. We had no idea what the cause was," she said, deep in thought.

I sigh and murmured to myself as my brain had started working, "That circle. It was glowing," I finally remembered what happened.

Natsu's ears perked up at this, "What was glowing, Luce?" As expected of a dragon-slayer, their hearing is extremely sharp. I pointed the book I had read. It was lying on the floor, opened and upside down just below my feet. I took it and browsed through the pages. My hand quivering a little at the fear of blacking out again.

I searched for the circle but found none. Where is it? How could it just disappear? I flipped the book back and forth, but no single circle was found.

I raised my head to see my team mates waiting for my explanation. I gulped. Will they believe what I was gonna say?

"Um...," I started, still flipping through the pages, "The circle's gone."

They looked at me questioningly, urging me to explain the details.

"I was browsing through this book and found this particular golden magic circle. It looks like a horoscope cycle with a star in the centre. I uttered something and it started to glow. Then I blacked out I guess? But now I can't find it in this book. I know it sounds impossible, but..." I stopped and stared at their confused expression. Do they believe me?

"Let me see the book, Lucy," Erza said. I handed the book over to her. Erza took it and sorted each page with her eyes quickly while we stood around her, eyes on the book.

"Hmm...You're right, there's no circle here," she finally said, "What exactly did you say to make it glow?"

I fidgeted through my fingers, "Um...I...," I shuffled through my mind, trying to search for that particular word but I couldn't find it. Why did I forget such an important thing? "I...forgot," I laid my head down in embarassment.

"You said 'I forgot' ?" Natsu's eyes widened. I hit my head with my palm.

"No, Natsu," I breathe, "I forgot what the word is," I said slowly.

His mouth formed an 'O'.

"Erza, I'll...I'll just borrow that book," I said.

Erza just raised her brow.

"There's something hiding inside it," I stated, "If we're lucky enough, it might be the clue to our mission." In truth was I want to know why I felt it was connected to my mother. That magic sensation, it's so familiar. I also had the feeling that this may be the key to our mission as I remembered one of the line of the letter ,'Where they shine the brightest.'

She nodded in approvement and gave the book to me. I immediately rushed to Ayla to make a library card. Alright! My first library card! I exclaimed inwardly in joy.

Gray's POV

"She's hiding something," I said as soon as Lucy had left, away from our earshot.

Erza stared at me, making me shiver. I thought she would object, but instead she said, "You're right. There's something about her. And her magic. It's just different somehow. Not a normal celestial magic I must say."

I nodded in agreement. I felt it too, "She doesn't seem to be very opened in the very least," I said and clenched my fist. This is the second time I've seen her sad face. She cried for God's sake ! Yet, I couldn't do anything. And most of all, why is it bothering me? Yes, it bothered me when Erza cried, but not as much as Lucy. Why do I have this urge to protect her? Maybe I had become too attached to her because of that night. But why? Because of our little similarity?

I was too caught up thinking that I almost failed to notice Erza's nod, "She will tell us everything when she's ready. We'll just have to wait," she said with face full of concern. I could tell that she's really worried about Lucy, even when she tried to hide it. Though I saw a little doubt on her features. Lucy from my observation is the kind of girl who would bottle her feelings inside and acted like nothing's wrong. She would place other's feelings in front of her own. She's just too nice.

"At least Luce is nice," the idiot-go-lucky ash brain grinned at his irrelevant comment which of course as idiot as he was, he didn't notice. I froze. Did he read my mind?

"Aye, she treated me to my favourite fish the other day," Happy drooled, "After I whined to her for 10 minutes of course."

"Really? I'll ask her to treat me to my favourite fire food next time then!" Natsu exclaimed.

This two, I rolled my eyes. Like master like pet.

"Look guys, look!" A voice interrupted, it was Lucy. Her eyes were sparkling in joy, "My first library card!" She squealed while holding a card in her hand. The card is yellow with blue linings. Her name was written on it along with her ID number and dates.

"Sssh," Ayla whispered. Again, she giggled at Lucy's amusing antics.

"Oops, sorry," she blushed a little. Oh. My. God. She's so adorable when she blushed like that! I slammed my head as that thought popped in my head. W-what am I thinking?

Why am I like this? Don't tell me that I've gotten too attached to her, not that is a bad thing though.

I ignored those thoughts as we continued on browsing through the books until the library nearly closed. In the end, we only found some irrelevant and interesting information about the city for me at the very least, such as the best ice-cream spot, the best *cough*male undergarments shop *cough*, and some other interesting places. They even have shaved ice! How sweet! I'd be very sure to try them tomorrow because Erza had told us to rest earlier for the remaining day as we were worried about Lucy's condition. I wondered what actually happened to her. Oh my freaking God, I must stop thinking about her!

Lucy's POV

I was sitting on the cold grass, listening to the peace of night, stars twinkling above me. Just like we used to. With Mom, I meant. I inhaled to catch the freshness of the grass and the fragrance of roses. Not white lilies, not lilac. I smiled at the stars, they always make me feel better. I stared at the book I borrowed today, I felt I must bring it here to read, maybe it would help me fall asleep.

"Yes dear, humans are made of stardust." That memory of the dream was once again inserted to my mind.

"When we die, we'll go back up there, Lucy. Back to what we were. Stardust. It's where we'll watch you who were still alive."

And three days sharp after that day, I couldn't remember anything. I just remembered my father waking me up in my bedroom on that morning. That day was rainy, very gloomy. I was covered in bandages for I didn't know what reason. That day, was the day Dad had become so cold to me. The day my Mom was gone. I couldn't even cry, I couldn't feel anything when I see her smiling face, her pale skin in that coffin. My heart was hollow, empty. I didn't know how to feel, how to react. He kept saying it was my fault. It was MY fault that my Mom died. I had started to believe in it. Was it really because of me? I don't know. I never know. But maybe it was right. Then the following day, I broke up. My feelings from the last day started flowing into me. It was painful. But do you know what pained me the most? I had no one there to comfort me, not even my Dad who had hated me ever since. The maids were worried about me, but I pushed them away even when deep inside I've always wanted someone to be with me. Just to simply hug me, accompany me, listen to my sobs. But no, what they gave me were those pitiful eyes that I hated the most. Why couldn't they understand? Is it really my fault that Mom died that day?

Tears started flowing through my cheeks, "Damn," I cursed. I'd promised her not to cry, but why this tears won't stop flowing?

"Damn it!" I cursed in a whisper pulling my knees closer to my body, curling my self into a pitiful ball, "Damn it. Damn it. Damn it!" I continued on when my tears wouldn't stop. Why was it so painful?

"Lucy?" A voice spoke right beside me. I recognized that voice. Gray! Oh my God, don't let him see me again in this state. Once was enough. I kept on my position.

"Gray?" And I cursed myself even more. My voice was practically shaking, whimpering.

There was silence for a few seconds.

"Lucy," he finally said and it made me flinched. His tone was so cold, yet full of concern, but almost demanding, "Look at me."

"Why must I look at you? What are you doing here, Gray?" I tried my poorly attempt of reasoning and changing the topic. Surely, Gray wouldn't drop this topic that fast.

"Lucy," he began again, "I said look at me. Please," he added. I jerked my head at that last word. His tone was very desperate and sad. His eyes widened noticing my tears and I tried to stand up from my position. I don't need anymore pity.

"Aaah, how sleepy!" I rubbed my eyes, "I must go now, Gray," I managed a smile.

But before I could even stand up, he grabbed me harshly and pulled me towars his chest. I froze. Again, I felt those fuzzy feelings. Warmth began flowing through my body, even though his body was as cold as ice.

"G-Gray? What are you doing? L-let me go!" In truth, I never wanna let go. This warmth. No one had ever hugged me with this comfort, not even Ms Lily.

"No," he said strictly. I looked up to his slightly blushing face.

"Why?" I asked, trying to struggle from his strong grip, but it was way too strong.

He ignored my question, "Don't cry, Lucy. We are worried," he said, "I don't know why but i-it hurts me when you cry. So please don't."

My eyes widened. No one had ever said that to me.

"Gray?"

"B-but!" He continued, ignoring me, "If you really wanna cry, we, Fairy Tail are here for you Lucy. Natsu, Erza, Happy, and and...me! I-I'm here for you, Lucy. Always." His cheeks become crimson red but he struggled to look at my eyes. His gaze was so tender, and caring.

I couldn't help myself. I cried. My tears flowing freely. He pulled me closer and patted my head.

"E-everything's gonna be alright. It's okay, Lucy. It's okay." He whispered almost soothingly through my ears.

I didn't know how long had we stayed like that. For some reason, I wanted to stay like that forever. When finally my sobs began to stop, I pulled away a little and felt warmth starting to escape my skin.

"S-sorry, your shirt. It's wet," I stared at the ground apologetically. He patted my head softly.

"It's okay," he said and smirked, "You just have to buy me a new one," he chuckled, "Everytime you cry, buy me a shirt."

I pouted, "That's totally irrelevant, Gray."

"That's why, whenever you cry, come to me. I don't mind you making my shirt wet." He smirked.

"Eh?" I blushed at his statement.

His smirk started to fade as he realized what he just side, "Shit," he muttered while blushing furiously, "What am I saying?"

And I laughed. This boy, he always had the way to make me smile. He's really something.

"Gwahahaha. Look! Look! Popsicle is blushing!" A boyish familiar voice laughed.

"Keep it down, idiot!" Another familiar voice scolded.

As that voice spoke, the bush on our left began to rustle and three bodies popped out from the bush, stumbling.

"Uh..Hi?" Erza smiled nervously.

"Sorry to disturb your private moment," Happy said almost apologetically. Uugh, that cat!

Beside them Natsu's rolling on the grass, laughing. They really like to hide in a bush, huh? I thought as I recalled that day on the river bank.

"W-what are you and stupid flame breather doing here?" Gray stuttered but had began to get his stoic composure.

"We're spying on you, obviously!" Natsu exclaimed.

"Aye! Spying on your romantic closure," Happy nodded.

Instantly blood began to rush along my cheek, "R-roman...tic?"

Erza coughed, "What we mean is, we were worried about you. I saw you got out of the room, I got worried so I searched for you. Apparently Gray also got out from his room and was followed by Natsu and Happy," she glanced at the other two, "We met and tried searching for you together and found you two here. It would be impolite to interrupt you two, so we decided to see from here," Erza ended her detailed speech.

In short, it was called spying, Erza. Gray and I sweat dropped.

Were they worried about me that much?

And then I started to laugh again. I felt so relieved that I have to laugh. Or maybe their surprisingly funny antics that got me laughing. I don't care! I just felt so happy! The others began to laugh with me. Since when have I been able to laugh this much? Since I joined Fairy Tail, I smiled.

Suddenly, the book started to glow. We stopped our laughter fits and stared as it began to open by itself, flipping through each pages in fast motion. The flipping stopped and revealed that circle I've been looking for. That circle that glowed!

Astrum, that word popped in my head.

I glanced at the others who looked very stunned.

"Guys," I smiled in realization, "I think I know how to find that box."

Oops, it's another cliff hanger. I just have to stop there :p

I'm so happy because this chapter contains many GrayLu moments XD

How is it? Please review :)

Natsu's POV might be in the next chapter or the chapter after it. It just doesn't suit this chapter. And maybe, I'll make Happy's POV too :p

Until next time :D

~snowdrop03